Polymeric phosphonium salts as a novel class of cationic biocides. X. Antibacterial activity of filters incorporating phosphonium biocides

Phosphonium salts with different alkyl chains as substituents were incorporated covalently on the surfaces of cellulose filters with silane coupling agents containing phosphonium ions, and their surface antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were explored by the viable cell‐counting method in sterile distilled water. The filters incorporating phosphonium biocides showed higher antibacterial activity, and its activity strongly depended on the structure of substituents. The surface‐treated filters may be used to sterilize air and water, including microorganisms.